Clydesdales Trample Panthers
by
Sunday June 15, 2003

The Toowoomba Clydesdales have scored a somewhat predictable 60-4 thrashing of the luckless Wests Panthers, despite four players withdrawing before yesterday's match at Purtell Park.  Scott Prince and Darren Mapp were called up for NRL duty, while Neale Wyatt and Barry Berrigan were on standby for other Broncos players wounded in last Wednesday's Origin clash.

Played on a picture perfect western suburbs afternoon, with some high profile spectators including rested Broncos captain Gorden Tallis, the Clydesdales simply had too much class for the Panthers, opening the scoring through Craig Frawley in just the fourth minute.  Michael Coorey busted through some flimsy defence and Frawley loomed in support to score. Moments later, Carl Webb charged over, a barnstorming 20 metre effort to extend the lead to 12-0. 

Wests' only joy came next, enthusiastic young winger Chad Leech darting over after some good lead up work in the middle of the field. 

But 12-4 was as close as Wests would get.  Brett Seymour, Michael Ryan, Ben Hannant and David Stagg scored going into half time for a 34-4 lead. Seymour's effort to kick 5 from 6 with a stiff cross breeze was impressive, and the young five-eighth played equally strongly running the football.

The procession continued in the second half, Seymour completing his hat trick, Ben Czislowski and Jonothan Denny crossing, with the Clydesdales spoiling several other opportunities also.  The Panthers had their own chances to score, but were foiled by unfortunate mistakes or desperate Clydesdales cover defence.

It wasn't all good news for Toowoomba, however, with Phil Lee limping off during the first half and not returning.  The talented ball playing lock forward cut a dejected figure during the second half having resorted to his civilian gear, and club officials must be hoping it's not related to his knee problems he's had in the past three years.

Best for Toowoomba were Seymour, Coorey, Ryan and Nick Parfitt, who continued on his great form for the Queensland Under-19s.  Leech was outstanding for the Panthers, while fellow winger Paul Mitchell, and halfback Andrew Murdoch were also solid. 

The Clydesdales move into the top 3 thanks to the defeat of Ipswich and Redcliffe, and the scoreline is a valuable boost to Toowoomba's for and against. 

Toowoomba 60 (Brett Seymour 3, Carl Webb 2, Craig Frawley, Michael Ryan, Ben Hannant, David Stagg, Ben Czislowski, Jonothan Denny tries; Seymour 8/11 goals) defeated Wests Panthers 4 (Chad Leech try; Andrew Murdoch 0/1 goals) at Purtell Park, Bardon.

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